Cottage Autism Network Wexford

A bold vision for an inclusive Wexford. 💜

Yesterday at Chadwicks Wexford Park, the usual sporting atmosphere was replaced by a profound stillness. We invited parents, business owners, and local Councillors to step into a reality they rarely see.

Through an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience, attendees gained a visceral understanding of the everyday sensory world of a neurodivergent child. It was an emotional morning that fundamentally shifted perspectives on accessibility in our county.

But awareness without action is not enough.

As a volunteer-led charity supporting over 300 families, Cottage Autism Network (C.A.N.) used this platform to announce a monumental evolution in our 20-year history:

Bridging the 'Service Cliff': We are officially expanding our supports to include autistic adults, ensuring our community is not left behind after turning eighteen.

A Mobile Sensory Hub: We are working to launch a fully equipped sensory van to make public events and festivals accessible across the county.

A Main Street Sanctuary: We are calling for a dedicated, shared Community Hub in Wexford town—providing a quiet regulatory space and fully accessible changing facilities for all ages, while unlocking vital grant funding for the sector.

We were immensely encouraged by the warm response from Cllr Vicky Barron, Cllr Catherine Biddy Walsh, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cllr Tom Forde, Cllr Aoife Rose O'Brien, and Cllr Leonard Kelly. Now, we need to transform that reception into collective action.

To our local authority, corporate sponsors, and fellow charities: the blueprint for the most inclusive county in Ireland has been drawn. Now, we need the partners to help build it.

🤝 Join the movement: Visit https://lnkd.in/dDqw7785 or email us at cottageautism@gmail.com to discuss how your organisation can help make this vision a reality.

Together, we C.A.N.